A lot has changed in 14 years. Among the noticeable changes is my speech pattern. This week’s reflective journey takes me on a nostalgic path and highlights elements of my culture and heritage from which I derive pleasant memories. Code switching is a layered concept; however, I focus on the language aspect in this episode. I also share 5 reasons that have been cited for code switching. Maybe you’ll be able to relate to at least one. I am also mindful that code switching for many people is a heavy load and they have to do it every day to gain opportunities, to fit in or even to be taken seriously. I found the perfect quote to express my overall feeling about my code switching experience. It is attributed to Veidehi Mujumdar, who said:

“I don't 'code-switch' to hide my identity. I 'code-switch' to celebrate it.”

CREDITS: THEME SONG: Vocals - Shevaughn James; Music - Malik McFarlane; Lyrics - Shevaughn James & Maxine McFarlane

Website: theteacherstribe.com

REFERENCES:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code-switching

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/code-switching

http://louisebennett.com/no-lickle-twang/

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/04/13/177126294/five-reasons-why-people-code-switch

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/31/i-dont-code-switch-to-hide-my-identity-i-code-switch-to-celebrate-it